Celebrate Rakshabandhan with a Culinary Adventure: Discover the Most Instagrammable Restaurants!

Celebrate Rakshabandhan with a Culinary Adventure: Discover the Most Instagrammable Restaurants!

By Nishang Narayan

Published on August 10, 2024

Rakshabandhan is right around the corner, and what better way to celebrate the special bond with your sibling than with a culinary adventure? This year, skip the traditional sweets and take your sister to one of the most Instagrammable restaurants in town. These spots promise not only a feast for the taste buds but also for the eyes. Among the top picks, Cray Craft, Baliboo, one8 Commune, and Koa stand out for their nostalgic charm and decadent desserts.

Cray Craft, Marol, Andheri:

Cray Craft isn't just a restaurant; it's a nostalgic playground for you and your sibling. This quirky, Instagram-worthy spot is decked out in vibrant colors, playful curves, and cozy nooks, making it the perfect backdrop for your Rakshabandhan celebrations. Dive into a world of comfort food reinvented, from the cheesy magic of Maggie and Cheese Croquettes to the fiery kick of Bhavanagri Bharwan Mirch. Don't miss their warm and hearty Nalli Nihari Soup to kickstart your meal, and end on a sweet note with their decadent Dessert Trio. Trust us, your sibling will be craving more than just rakhi treats after a day at Cray Craft.

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Baliboo, Goregaon:

Escape the city bustle with your sibling at Baliboo, a tropical oasis that's as Instagrammable as it is relaxing. With its lush greenery, stunning murals, and serene ambience, it's the ideal setting to celebrate Rakshabandhan in style. After exchanging rakhis, indulge in a dessert lover's paradise. From the classic allure of Tres Leches to the theatrical Tableside Tiramisu, and the comforting warmth of In-house French Toast to the rich indulgence of Matilda Chocolate Cake, Baliboo's dessert menu is a dream come true. Your sibling will be thanking you for this sweet escape.

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one8 Commune, Juhu:

Owned by Virat Kohli, one8 Commune serves as a community space and a sense of belonging for the diverse crowd of Juhu to mingle along. Doing justice to the fact that Mumbai comes from a uniquely diverse architectural and urban design language, one8 Commune keeps the space free-spirited and inspirational. If you are looking to spend some quiet time by yourself or just want to get those creative juices flowing, one8 Commune's beautiful rustic interiors bring calmness to this experience. With indoor and outdoor seating, vibrant artefacts placed in the lavish space are sure to catch your eye. Share the excitement of trying new flavors as you indulge in the fiery Al Pastor Jackfruit Tacos, the comforting Truffle Pav Bhaji pull aparts, or the authentic Enchiladas. Reserve your table now and come celebrate the joyous occasion with us!

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Koa, Juhu:

Another gem nestled in the cultural neighborhood of Juhu is the Bohemian-themed culinary restaurant, Koa. This boho-themed restaurant exudes an alfresco vibe, capturing the essence of the Mediterranean with its clean, chic design and elements inspired by the stunning aesthetics of Greece. The enchanting world of Koa, with its timeless allure, transports you back in time, making it the perfect weekend getaway from regular dinner dates and restaurants. Koa brings a contemporary twist to classic desserts. Their Matcha Tiramisu is a green tea lover's paradise, combining the bitter-sweetness of matcha with the creamy indulgence of tiramisu. If you're a banana aficionado, the Banana Entremet is a must-try. Layers of banana mousse, biscuit, and caramel create a symphony of flavors in your mouth. Visit Koa with your siblings to make this Rakshabandhan extra memorable.

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These restaurants not only serve up delicious food but also offer a picturesque setting that's perfect for capturing those Instagram-worthy moments. Celebrate this Rakshabandhan by creating new memories with your sister at these delightful spots.


403 Forbidden Bar Hosts Chef Takeover with Priyam Chatterjee and Rishabh Seal

403 Forbidden Bar Hosts Chef Takeover with Priyam Chatterjee and Rishabh Seal

By Hariharan U

Published on April 26, 2026

403 Forbidden Bar is set to host a two-day Chef Takeover as part of its 403 OVERRIDE FIREWALL X series, featuring Priyam Chatterjee and Rishabh Seal on April 25 and 26.

Positioned as a high-intent, limited-period dining experience, the collaboration brings together two distinct culinary perspectives, blending heritage-driven narratives with contemporary interpretation. Designed as an immersive format, the takeover moves beyond conventional dining to present a structured and non-replicable culinary journey.

Chef Priyam Chatterjee, known for his progressive approach to modern Indian cuisine, brings a style shaped by classical technique and global exposure. His cooking focuses on elevating familiar flavours through precision and refined execution.

Chef Rishabh Seal complements this with a culinary philosophy rooted in cultural memory and subtle innovation, presenting dishes that balance regional influences with a contemporary lens.

Together, the chefs introduce a bespoke menu built around the theme “From Heritage to Haute Cuisine Reimagined”, where traditional flavours are reinterpreted using modern techniques. The experience unfolds as a layered, sensory journey, encouraging guests to engage with each course as part of a larger narrative.

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The culinary offering is paired with the bar’s technique-driven cocktail programme, where methods such as distillation, clarification, and infusion are used to create drinks that align closely with the menu, enhancing the overall experience.

Set within a space inspired by the concept of a digital 403 access denied code, the venue is designed to encourage guests to disconnect from external distractions and immerse themselves fully in the experience. From lighting and sound to service, every element is curated to create a cohesive and engaging environment.

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Speaking on the collaboration, Chef Priyam Chatterjee noted that the experience focuses on storytelling through food, presenting familiar flavours in a way that feels both intuitive and unexpected. Chef Rishabh Seal added that the menu aims to respect traditional roots while allowing flavours to evolve naturally.

Aman Dua, Co-Founder of 403 Forbidden Bar, highlighted that the series is designed as a platform for chefs with distinct culinary voices to engage with the space in a meaningful and immersive format.

With limited seating, the takeover offers a rare, experiential dining format, bringing together craft, creativity, and narrative-led cuisine in one of Bengaluru’s most conceptually distinctive venues.


Matcha Craze in Delhi NCR Here Are 5 Cafes Doing It Right

Matcha Craze in Delhi NCR Here Are 5 Cafes Doing It Right

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 13, 2026

Matcha has found a strong fanbase in Delhi NCR, and the city’s café scene has fully embraced the trend. The Japanese green tea that has been enjoyed for centuries is now becoming a favourite among young consumers looking for something refreshing yet energising.

Unlike coffee, matcha is often known for providing a calmer and more steady energy boost without the sudden crash later in the day. The trend first gained popularity among Gen Z, and soon millennials followed, turning matcha into more than just a drink. Today, it has become a lifestyle choice, often associated with wellness and mindful living.

The matcha wave has also evolved beyond simple lattes. Cafés are experimenting with seasonal flavours and creative combinations, from fruity strawberry blends to refreshing coconut-based drinks. With so many options available, expectations for a good matcha experience have also grown. Across Delhi NCR, a few cafés are standing out for doing it particularly well.

Barista Coffee is one of the most accessible places to try matcha in the region. The brand introduced a special menu titled “Dhoom Matcha De,” bringing several variations of the drink to its customers. The range includes the Matcha Iced Latte, Matcha Strawberry, Matcha Frappe, and Matcha Hot Latte. With outlets spread across Delhi NCR, Barista offers an easy entry point for those curious to explore matcha for the first time.

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Hinoki Slow Bar has quietly built a loyal following among matcha enthusiasts in Delhi. Founded by two friends, the café focuses on a slow and thoughtful preparation style. Each cup of matcha is freshly prepared in front of guests, allowing them to see the process up close. The menu includes both milk-based and water-based matcha drinks along with a selection of flavours and add-ons, making it a welcoming spot for both newcomers and regular visitors.

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Got Tea takes a slightly different route by sourcing its matcha directly from Japan. The quality of the ingredient is clearly noticeable in its drinks. One of its most popular offerings is the Strawberry Matcha, which features a house-made strawberry compote layered with vibrant matcha. The menu also includes options such as a citrus matcha tonic, a matcha blueberry blend, and even matcha-inspired baked goods. With most outlets open until midnight, it has become a reliable stop for matcha lovers at almost any time of the day.

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Espresso Anyday is known for its experimental menu and offers one of the more creative matcha selections in the region. In addition to classic lattes, the café serves drinks such as a coconut matcha float, matcha tonic, matcha slush, and a matcha americano for those looking to try something different. Among regulars, the Vanilla Ice Cream Matcha is particularly popular, combining creamy texture with well-balanced matcha flavours.

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Third Wave Coffee takes a simpler approach with a focused matcha menu. Its Japanese Matcha Latte, available both hot and iced, is widely appreciated for being smooth and not overly bitter, making it ideal for beginners. The café also serves a Strawberry Matcha Latte for those who enjoy a slightly fruity twist, while the Vanilla Matcha Bubble Tea offers a more playful option for customers in the mood for something different.

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As matcha continues to grow in popularity, cafés across Delhi NCR are refining how they serve the drink. Whether someone is exploring matcha for the first time or already enjoys it regularly, these cafés offer some of the city’s most interesting ways to experience this vibrant green beverage.


Gadda Da Vida at Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach Just Got a Major Upgrade, Meet GDV 2.0

Gadda Da Vida at Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach Just Got a Major Upgrade, Meet GDV 2.0

By Hariharan U

Published on March 10, 2026

If Gadda Da Vida was already your go-to for sundowners in Mumbai, GDV 2.0 is about to give you even more reasons to show up. The beachfront restaurant at Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach has just launched a full culinary and cocktail reinvention,and it's a confident, coastal-forward step up from everything that came before it.

This isn't just a menu tweak. GDV 2.0 is a proper reimagination of what the space can be,leaning hard into the seafood-driven identity that a venue sitting right by the Arabian Sea honestly should have. The food is bolder, the cocktails are sharper, and the whole experience feels more alive and social while still holding on to the relaxed sundowner energy that made the place a favourite in the first place.

The Food - Coastal, Layered and Genuinely Exciting

The new menu reads like a tour of coastal flavours done with real finesse. Headlining the seafood section are dishes like Lobster Tail with Mustard Butter, Seared Salmon with Lemon Butter, Caribbean Blackened Snapper with Plantain Purée, and Miso Glazed Seabass,each one bringing something distinct to the table. Charcoal-Grilled Prawns in Jerk Marinade and Fish Cafreal with Smoked Potato Mash round out a lineup that's as thoughtfully composed as it is satisfying.

For the table-sharing crowd, the shareable plates section is equally strong,Fennel-Smoked Fried Prawns, Jerk Chicken Skewers, and Crispy Calamari Rings sit alongside some genuinely interesting vegetarian options like Malvani Soy Tacos and Truffle Mushroom Xacuti Tartlets. The kind of spread that makes ordering for the whole table actually fun.

Desserts close things out on a tropical high,Tropical Fruit Pavlova, Coconut Mango Panna Cotta, and an Espresso Tiramisu that feels like the perfect full stop to a coastal meal.

The Cocktails - Built to Match

What sets GDV 2.0 apart from a standard menu relaunch is the intentional pairing of cocktails with the food. The drink menu has been designed to complement the seafood-forward dishes, with signature creations,Angel's Delight, Synapse Sour, Temple Smoke, Gadda's Secret, and Plumnori each bringing layered aromatics and vibrant profiles to the mix. Progressive infusions and a strong element of mixology theatre add visual drama to the whole experience, turning what could be a regular evening out into something genuinely multisensory.

Kunal Shanker, General Manager at Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach, explained the thinking behind it all,"With GDV 2.0, our vision was to go beyond a menu refresh and reimagine the entire beachfront experience at Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach. Gadda Da Vida has always been synonymous with sundowners, and this change allows us to align the culinary narrative more closely with our seaside setting. With this menu revamp, we aim to elevate the value proposition of our F&B portfolio while reinforcing our standing as one of Mumbai's most dynamic beachfront hospitality destinations."

Sunset, seafood, cocktails with personality, and the Arabian Sea as your backdrop,GDV 2.0 makes a strong case for being Mumbai's most complete beachfront dining experience right now.

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